Ann-Marie Berg: Safety tricks can make Halloween a treat

Saturday

Oct 26, 2013 at 9:09 AMOct 26, 2013 at 9:15 AM

There is no disguising the delight kids get out of Halloween. It almost rivals that of their parents. Who doesn't love sending their children out the door to have them return with buckets of chocolate instead of buckets of dirt?

There is no disguising the delight kids get out of Halloween. It almost rivals that of their parents. Who doesn’t love sending their children out the door to have them return with buckets of chocolate instead of buckets of dirt?

Some of us look forward to Halloween because our kids willingly let us out of the house, as long as we tell their friends we’re dressed in costume even though we aren’t. But, as with any event that involves herds of kids carrying pitchforks and scythes, safety is a must so the night doesn’t turn into a fright.

It seems obvious that kids would rely on common sense to enjoy a safe Halloween. Surely you see the problem with that idea. Common sense tends to be a little less common among kids. You think, for example, they would know to watch for cars while trick-or-treating, yet we find them gathered at intersections comparing loot and meeting up with friends.

You try suggesting a safe costume, something along the lines of reflective tape and flashlights, but what do you get? Your child dresses up as a shadow. You remind him about candy safety, which he takes to mean eating as much as possible before inspection so no one else can eat it.

Due to communication breakdowns, mishaps, or just lost in translation messages, it is important to remind your child of the safety basics. Start with costumes. Masks should not obscure vision or ventilation, and costumes should be flame retardant. Kids should not dress up as invisible cloaks since drivers must be able to see them standing in the middle of the street.

On that note, remind your kids to look both ways before crossing the street, to stick to sidewalks, and to avoid running through alleys, back yards, or unfamiliar yards. Costumes should not be so long or bulky that kids will end up tripping on them.

When it comes to props, keep safety in mind. Accessories indisputably make a costume, but not when they are dangerous. Don’t try saving a few dollars or making a reality costume by sending your farmer out with a real pitchfork or your cowboy out with a B.B. Gun. Avoid anything sharp, in case kids trip and fall or accidentally hit someone else with it.

Tell your kids to watch out for pets. Even Happy the Dog can get a little agitated after hearing his doorbell ring seventy times in an hour. Kids should not approach animals in yards even if they are familiar, and, Halloween or not, they should never try to pet a cat or dog they do not know.

Younger kids should always be accompanied by an adult. Kids old enough to trick-or-treat alone should stick to pre-approved routes. Remind kids to only visit homes with lights on, and to stay in a group.

They should never go into someone’s house or car when trick-or-treating. Remind kids to have their cell phones on, and to actually answer them. Designate set times to check in and confirm plans.

If your child is old enough to trick-or-treat without supervision then it is essential to know who he is going out with, and to have a few of his fellow goblins cell phone numbers also.

Discuss the difference between tricks and vandalism. Smashing pumpkins or egging someone’s house is an unacceptable trick. Halloween is a great opportunity to dress up and have fun, but never at someone else’s expense.

Discourage your kids from tasting treats before they pass inspection. Help them understand that while most people are good, there are some bad pumpkin seeds out there with sick ways to get Halloween kicks.

Children should hold off on trying their goodies until you have inspected them for opened wrappers, unfamiliar wrappers, suspicious treats, and have been able to sample everything else to make sure it is OK. Only accept home baked goods from people you know and trust. One way to help your cause is to serve a healthy dinner before your children head out towards Candyland so they are not as tempted to munch.

Remember the sugar crash. After your kids enjoy the treats of their labors it is always a good idea to collect their stash so it doesn’t end up under a bed or in a closet until springtime. Limiting treats also makes it easier to resume healthy eating habits faster.

This Halloween, perform a few safety tricks to make the night a treat everyone can enjoy.

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